The Satisfaction Of The Appetite For Success

1) It is a good thing to desire great things, that is, to have an appetite for success.

 

2) It is not enough just to have an appetite for success. Due diligence and hard work must be put in to satisfy your appetite and guarantee your success.

 

3) There is a reward for your efforts. When you put in much into life, you will enjoy true fulfillment and satisfaction. 

 

To explain further,

1) Having an appetite for success:

The word, “appetite” means, “a strong desire, eagerness or longing for something.” An appetite for success would mean a strong desire, eagerness or longing to succeed. Now, success to me is living your most fulfilled life – becoming all that God wants you to be to the fullest. 

 

To truly succeed in life, you need to be hungry for it. Let’s take an example with food. You would agree that once you are hungry or you crave a particular food, you become restless and that particular food becomes the only thing on your mind. You can do whatever you can within your means to satisfy that craving. Once you get it, however, you feel satisfied. But where did it all start? From a longing; a craving; a strong desire and an appetite. 

 

God’s Word says we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5:6). We are to have a “healthy” appetite for it. God wants us to be hungry to become His best for us. We see Jesus having an appetite to succeed in His mission. The apostles did too, and so did the prophets and great men and women of God (Jn. 4:34, Acts 4:20, Jer. 20:9). 

 

He says that when we have this hunger – this appetite, we will be filled. We will become successful. 

 

But is that all that there is to it?

 

2) Working towards satisfying your appetite:

 

In God’s Word in Prov. 13:4, we see two kinds of people: The sluggards; slothful or lazy people, and The diligent or hardworking people.

 

Now, the Bible tells us that having an appetite will lead to us being filled. But how? By moping at God till He gives us this success? No! Rather, by working out our salvation with fear and trembling as He enables us (Phil 2:12-13). So, there is a place for work. Not just any kind of work, but hard work. 

 

If you truly desire success, then you must be willing to put in the yardwork, beyond just having the mere appetite for it. If you desire much in life, then you must put in much (Mk. 4:24). Staying idle complaining about the economy, or whining about how your parents never provided enough will only make you end in penury. 

 

No person who became truly successful did not work hard for it. God worked and still does so (Gen. 1:1, Jn. 5:17, Phil. 2:13). So did all the people He used. In fact, when we practically did not need to till the ground for it to yield, God’s command was to ‘work’ it (Gen. 2:15). If we are to be truly productive and not mere good-for-nothings, then we must work. And not just any sort of work that dishonors God, but legal and noble work.

 

So, we see that it does not just end in having an appetite, it takes work to satisfy that appetite. The cup won’t lift itself miraculously to your lips to quench your thirst, you know. 

 

What then happens when we put in the work?

 

3) Enjoying the satisfaction of your success:

The last words of Prov. 13:4 have something to say about the one who is diligent. It says such a person will, “prosper and be satisfied” according to the New Living Translation. Other translations use the words, “will be abundantly supplied,” “made fat,” “will have something to show for their lives” and ” shall be made rich.”

 

So, this makes us understand that success does not just end in a longing or just working your life out. But God promises that your appetite and hard work will be rewarded with an abundance; with fatness; with something meaningful to contribute to society and with satisfaction and fulfillment.

 

After Jesus had completed His mission on earth (with a strong hunger backed up by loads of work), He received His reward of having a name above every other name. He is seated at God’s right hand and remains the most important person in the whole of history (Phil 2:5-11). Now, that’s some reward for an appetite backed up by hard work. I know He is satisfied and fulfilled. God gives such to the one who has proved himself/herself worthy.

 

With that said, Proverbs 13:4 teaches us that success must be driven by a healthy appetite, backed up with due and appropriate action and carries with it a reward of abundance and fulfillment to the one who has played his/her part.

 

How do you plan on being a success today?

The verse “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding” (Proverbs 14:29), encapsulates a profound truth about human nature and wisdom, rooted deeply in biblical teachings. This verse reflects the idea that exercising patience and restraint in the face of provocation or adversity is a mark of true wisdom and understanding.

The force of anger

Biblically, anger is often portrayed as a destructive force that leads to conflict, strife, and sin. Proverbs 15:18 states, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” This highlights the detrimental effects of anger and the importance of patience in diffusing tense situations. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who succumbed to anger and faced dire consequences as a result. For instance, Cain’s anger led him to commit the first murder, killing his brother Abel (Genesis 4:5-8).

 

In contrast, those who demonstrate patience and slow-to-anger attitudes are praised for their wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 19:11 affirms this, stating, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” This verse emphasizes the connection between wisdom and patience, suggesting that those who possess wisdom are naturally inclined to be patient and forgiving. Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 7:9 advises, “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” This admonition underscores the folly of hasty anger and the importance of exercising self-control.

 

Proverbs 14:29 states, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” From this verse, we can understand that the person who practices patience is deemed to have great understanding. Patience allows individuals to maintain composure in challenging situations, enabling them to think and act more rationally. When faced with a difficult problem or decision, a patient individual takes the time to gather information, weigh different perspectives, and carefully consider all options before taking action. By exercising patience, they demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexity of circumstances and the potential consequences of their choices.

 

To illustrate this point, imagine a team project where conflicts arise due to differing opinions. A person with great understanding will listen attentively to each team member, patiently allowing everyone to express their views. They recognize that rushing to conclusions or forcing their own ideas would hinder the team’s progress. Instead, by patiently hearing out all perspectives, they can create an environment where collaboration and compromise can thrive, leading to better outcomes.

 

Let’s consider the opposite scenario: a quick-tempered person. Someone who lacks patience tends to react impulsively, often leading to poor judgment calls. In moments of frustration or anger, they may say or do things without considering the consequences. This impulsive behavior hinders their ability to think clearly, leading to regrettable actions and missed opportunities for growth and understanding.

 

For instance, imagine a student struggling with a challenging subject. If they become quick-tempered and easily frustrated when encountering difficulties, they may give up on the subject altogether. In contrast, a patient student would persistently seek help from teachers, work diligently through assignments, and gradually develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Their patience allows them to embrace the learning process and steadily improve, ultimately leading to greater comprehension.

Embracing the journey

It is important, however, to note that patience is not simply about waiting idly. It involves actively engaging with the situation, seeking solutions, and embracing the journey. Cultivating patience requires perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to adapt. It means recognizing that some goals take time to accomplish and that setbacks are part of the process. Ultimately, this patient approach leads to a more understanding of the situation at hand (James 1:4).

 

Let’s consider a career change as an example. Someone who is determined to transition into a new field but lacks patience might hastily apply for any available job, even if it doesn’t align with their long-term goals. On the other hand, a person with great understanding will patiently research the industry, acquire additional skills if necessary, and strategically network with professionals in the desired field. This patient approach increases the likelihood of finding a fulfilling position that truly matches their aspirations.

 

To conclude, Proverbs 14:29 suggests that those who exhibit patience possess great understanding. Through patient deliberation, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to persevere, individuals gain a deeper comprehension of complex situations and grow in wisdom. It becomes evident that patient individuals excel in collaborative efforts, overcome challenges more effectively, and navigate personal and professional growth with purpose and grace.

 

Generosity fosters positive relationships and community impact

According to Proverbs 11:25, a generous person experiences several blessings both practically and spiritually. First, they prosper spiritually as they embody the character of God, who is generous and benevolent. This aligns with the biblical principle that giving leads to spiritual abundance and fulfillment.

 

In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This verse emphasizes the principle of reciprocity in giving. When we give generously, God blesses us in return, often in ways that exceed our expectations.

 

Second, a generous person often experiences practical blessings, such as financial prosperity and material provision. Proverbs 22:9 states, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” This highlights the connection between generosity and material blessings. When we freely share what we have with others, God blesses us abundantly, meeting our needs and providing for us in unexpected ways.

 

Moreover, generosity fosters positive relationships and community impact. By sharing their resources and blessings with others, generous individuals build trust, goodwill, and unity within their communities. This contributes to a flourishing and harmonious society, reflecting God’s desire for His people to love and care for one another.

 

Overall, Proverbs 11:25 teaches that generosity is a pathway to both spiritual and practical blessings. It encourages believers to cultivate a generous heart, knowing that God honors and rewards those who give freely and sacrificially.